Page 69 of All The Ways to Miss You

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

James gives me a resigned smile. It’s not as bright as his earlier smiles, but only a few days ago, he was vying for my heart. Now he knows we’ll never be anything beyond this.

“I thought you were ill?”

“It was nothing. Just a little bug,” I lie.

“I have an early meeting with Linden.”

James must see the alarm in my eyes, because he explains. “I’m afraid there’s a problem with the space. I guess he didn’t discuss it with you yet.”

“Nothing too serious, I hope?” I shift my stance.

Before he can answer, the elevator doors ding and slide open. At the office floor, Linden stands inside the lobby. He’s already waiting for James. Not good.

I tense, my back rigid.

Linden ignores the fact that I’m here when he forbade it and extends his hand to James. “Nice to see you again.”

“Same,” James responds.

“Take a seat in my office. How do you like your coffee?” He leads James away. After he confirms his order, I follow Linden to the kitchen. His movements are curt, controlled. This is mad Linden. I’ve seen it before, many times. He might be ticked, but I have my own reasons to be upset.

“Did you get my message?” he asks.

“I must have missed the one about your meeting with James.”

Linden sighs. His coloring fades from red to normal. “Rockford decided to renew their lease.”

Disappointment swirls in me as understanding takes shape. I rock back a step. This is the company that currently controls the rooftop to the Kinzie building. The rooftop I promised to James’s company. It’s the main component that sold them on the property.

“But Rockford already started construction on their new offices in the Wabash building. I’ve seen the photos.”

“I don’t have the details yet, but it’s something to do with the landlord. That deal is dead. They renewed Kinzie for another ten years.”

Locked inside, a tight lump bobs in my throat. Stinging tears prick my eyes. I suck in a breath to fight them off and lift my chin and chest. I won’t break in front of Linden.

“I know you’re upset.” He places a hand on my shoulder.

He has no clue. My house is slipping further away. Will Ozzy be able to hold out until my next big commission? Who knows when that will happen. Or will he finally entertain the other offers he’s been ignoring? Even though he hasn’t said so, I’ve suspected for a while now he needs the money, but he has too much pride to mention any financial distress.

“I’ll find them something else.” I slip on an optimistic mask. The threatening tears are gone and replaced with determination.

“I know you will, but we’ve showed them every suitable space on the market. For now, go home. You look like shit.” He ushers me to the reception area. “I don’t want to see you here for a week, or I will fire your ass. Understood?”

After I defer to him with a nod, he presses the button. The elevator doors glide open. Linden watches me enter as if he needs to ensure my exit. Inside the cab, I turn to face him, feeling defeated.

“Maybe you need a vacation? I know Evan needs one,” Linden says, waggling his brows. He’s laughing at my dropped jaw as the doors slide shut.

Now I’m not only sad, I’m mortified he knows about us. I lean against the wall and squeeze my eyes closed.

Back at my building, I knock on Evan’s door. He answers, still half-asleep. His hair’s mussed and he’s shirtless, wearing boxer briefs. He scratches his ass and gives me a sloppy grin. He’s adorable.

“I knew you would go anyway.” He yawns and steps aside.

His expression becomes alarmed when I sweep in and yank off my scarf and jacket.

“What’s wrong?”